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Work & Settle in Regional Australia Through the DAMA Program

Australia’s Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) allow regional employers to sponsor overseas workers in industries facing skill shortages. With age, English, and salary concessions and clear permanent residency pathways, DAMA is one of the most practical migration options for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

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What is DAMA?

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and regional authorities called Designated Area Representatives (DARs).

Tailored to specific regions.

Offers concessions not available under standard skilled visas.

Employer-driven (no points test required).

Provides clear PR pathways via Subclass 186 and 191 visas.

👉 Example: A dairy farm in Shepparton can sponsor farm workers through the Goulburn Valley DAMA, while a mining firm in Port Hedland can hire diesel mechanics under the Pilbara DAMA.

Visa Pathways Under DAMA

VisaDurationPR PathwayKey Features
Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa1–4 years (5 for HK/BNO passport holders)Subclass 186 after 2 yearsAge, English & salary concessions
Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored RegionalUp to 5 yearsSubclass 191 after 3 yearsLong-term regional settlement
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)PermanentDirect PR (labour agreement stream)Employer-sponsored, no points test

Employer Sponsorship Costs & Visa Fees
Updated July 2025

1. Employer Charges (Home Affairs)

Visa StreamNomination ChargeCharge Basis
Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand)AUD 330Per position nominated
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)NilNo nomination charge applies
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)AUD 540 (non-regional positions); Direct Entry stream pays regardless of locationPer nomination

2. Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

Visa StreamTurnover < $10mTurnover ≥ $10mCharge Basis
Subclass 482 (TSS)AUD 1,200 per yearAUD 1,800 per yearPer visa year for each nomination
Subclass 494 (Regional)AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off at nomination
Subclass 186 (ENS)AUD 3,000AUD 5,000One-off at nomination

3. Visa Application Charges (VAC – paid by applicant)

Visa StreamPrimary ApplicantAdditional Applicant 18+Additional Applicant under 18
Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand)AUD 3,210AUD 3,210AUD 805
Subclass 494 (Regional)AUD 4,910AUD 2,455AUD 1,230
Subclass 186 (ENS)AUD 4,910AUD 2,455AUD 1,230

DAMA Regions in Australia

Below is a directory of all active DAMA regions. Each profile links to a detailed page.

  • Coverage: Entire NT
  • DAR: NT Government
  • Industries: Health, hospitality, agribusiness, trades, mining
  • Fee: AUD 300 per nomination
    👉 Explore NT DAMA
  • Coverage: Entire SA
  • DAR: SA Government
  • Industries: Aged care, agribusiness, construction, hospitality
  • Fee: AUD 590 per nomination
    👉 Explore SA DAMA
  • Coverage: Greater Shepparton, Moira, Campaspe
  • DAR: Greater Shepparton Council
  • Industries: Dairy, agribusiness, food processing
  • Fee: AUD 750 + GST
    👉 Explore GV DAMA
  • Coverage: Warrnambool, Glenelg, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Southern Grampians
  • DAR: Warrnambool City Council
  • Industries: Agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, construction
  • Fee: AUD 750–900 (depending on turnover)
    👉 Explore GSC DAMA
  • Coverage: Dubbo, Mudgee, Narromine, surrounding towns
  • DAR: RDA Orana
  • Industries: Healthcare, trades, agriculture, hospitality
  • Fee: AUD 750 per nomination
    👉 Explore Orana DAMA
  • Coverage: Cairns, Tablelands, Cape York
  • DAR: Cairns Chamber of Commerce
  • Industries: Tourism, hospitality, agriculture, healthcare
  • Fee: ~AUD 500–600 per nomination
    👉 Explore FNQ DAMA
  • Coverage: Townsville + North QLD
  • DAR: Townsville Enterprise Limited
  • Industries: Trades, defence, agriculture, healthcare
  • Fee: ~AUD 500–600 per nomination
    👉Explore TNQ DAMA
  • Coverage: Karratha, Port Hedland, East Pilbara
  • DAR: RDA Pilbara
  • Industries: Mining, oil & gas, construction
  • Fee: AUD 350 per nomination
    👉Explore Pilbara DAMA
  • Coverage: Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek, Wyndham-East Kimberley
  • DAR: EKCCI
  • Industries: Agribusiness, mining, hospitality
  • Fee: AUD 885 (members) / AUD 985 (non-members)
    👉 Explore Kimberley DAMA
  • Coverage: [Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River region — verify exact councils]
  • DAR: Shire of Dardanup
  • Industries: Hospitality, healthcare
  • Fee: AUD 290 per nomination
  • 👉 Explore South West DAMA

Western Australia DAMA

  • Coverage: Statewide — Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley, South West, Perth metro (Category 2)
  • DAR: Multiple regional DARs (see individual region pages)
  • Industries: Mining, construction, aged care, agribusiness, hospitality
  • Fee: Varies by region ($267.50–$985 per nomination)
  • 👉 Explore WA DAMA →

Why Choose DAMA Over Other Pathways?

No Points Test
 

unlike GSM, DAMA is employer-sponsored.

Wider Occupation Lists

includes semi-skilled roles not on Skilled Migration lists.

Age Concessions
 

apply up to 55 years in many regions.

English Concessions
 

reduced test scores accepted.

PR Pathways
 

structured options via 186 or 191 visas.

Regional Comparison Snapshot

RegionDARFeeKey Industries
NTNT GovAUD 300Health, mining, trades
SASA GovAUD 590Agribusiness, aged care
GV VICShepparton CouncilAUD 750+GSTDairy, food processing
GSC VICWarrnambool CouncilAUD 750–900Agriculture, healthcare
Orana NSWRDA OranaAUD 750Healthcare, trades
FNQ QLDCairns Chamber~AUD 500–600Tourism, hospitality
TNQ QLDTownsville Enterprise~AUD 500–600Defence, agriculture
Pilbara WARDA PilbaraAUD 350Mining, oil & gas
Kimberley WAEKCCIAUD 885/985Agribusiness, mining
South West WAShire of DardanupAUD 290Hospitality, healthcare

How Visa Advisor Helps with DAMA

🧮 Free Eligibility Check

  • Find out if DAMA applies to your case.

📑 Document Preparation

  • Occupation list
  • Endorsement applications
  • Visa paperwork

🏢 DAR Endorsement Support

  • Navigating regional authority requirements.

🎯 PR Pathway Planning

  • Mapping your route to Subclass 186 or 191.
📥 Download Checklists

❓Frequently Asked Questions

No, each region has its own occupation list, concessions, DAR, and fees.

No, DAMA is employer-sponsored.

Yes, partners and children with full work and study rights.

482 → 186 after 2 years; 494 → 191 after 3 years; direct 186 (labour agreement stream).

  • You will need personal identification, medical documents, proof of financial support, and health and character assessments. 

You cannot apply under DAMA, but other visas may be available.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.